September 1, 2023

 

 

Hi Friends, 

 

Welcome to the beauty newsletter where you'll find skin care and beauty articles as well as Beautycounter news.

 

🫶🏼 I appreciate you. I love engaging with my clients and helping you find solutions to your skin care needs. Please reach out with any questions. Request samples here, and I'll personally mail them to you (no obligation to purchase). 

 

Get your perfect shade of Highlighting Balm for FREE through Monday, September 4 (celebrate the holiday with a gift for yourself!) with your order of $125.

 

I use highlighting balm every day. This one is not sparkly, just glowy. And Beautycounter's Cheeky Clean Highlighting Balm is refillable! Simply pop out the shade compact and refill with a new one in the same shade or another. That mean's we're putting less waste into the landfills and saving money ($28 for the refill) by purchasing a refill instead of an entire compact.

 

How to Highlight: Apply highlighter to the areas of your face that would naturally catch the light: high on the cheekbrones, temples, bridge of nose, inner corner of the eyes, cupid's bow, collarbone, even in the hollow of the neck. If you're new to highlighting, start with the cheekbones and see how you like the effect. Highlighting with a glowy highlighter (never glittery) gives your face a youthful look.

Moisturizer, toner, serum . . .  aaaahhh! What goes first?

 

This is one of the most common questions I get asked regarding a skin care routine. It can be confusing if you use a full regimen of skin care products. 

 

Here's a simple formula: Start with the lightest weight product and end with the heaviest. Specifically, after cleansing your face, use products in this order:

Although facial oil isn't thick in the same way as a creamy moisturizer, it should be the last layer in your face care routine. Facial oil is wonderful for most skin types (even for oily skin) and locks in moisture.

 

For most of us, choosing products that are not only effective but also safe for your skin is a priority. Sunscreen, a crucial part of any skincare routine during all seasons of the year, has evolved over the years, introducing various formulations to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. 

 

Two terms that often come up in the sunscreen world are "non-nano zinc" and "nano zinc." What are the differences between these two types of zinc-based sunscreens? 

 

Zinc oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It's widely recognized for its ability to create a physical barrier on the skin, reflecting and scattering the sun's rays. However, the way zinc oxide is formulated and its particle size can influence how it performs on the skin.

 

Nano zinc refers to zinc oxide particles that have been broken down into smaller sizes, often in the nanometer range. This formulation allows for a smoother application and a more transparent finish on the skin. Nano zinc sunscreens tend to rub in more easily, leaving less of a white cast compared to traditional zinc-based sunscreens. This can be particularly appealing for individuals who want sun protection without a white cast from sunscreen.

 

Non-nano zinc sunscreens, on the other hand, contain larger particles of zinc oxide. While they may appear a bit more noticeable on the skin due to their size, they provide excellent sun protection. Some people appreciate the visible application, as it offers a clear indication of where the sunscreen has been applied, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

 

One concern that has been raised about nano zinc is the potential for these smaller particles to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. Some studies suggest that the risk of significant absorption is minimal, and nano zinc sunscreens are generally considered safe for most people.

 

Non-nano zinc sunscreens, with their larger particle size, are less likely to penetrate the skin. Non-nano zinc oxide is less likely to cause skin discomfort or allergies. Its larger particle size reduces the likelihood of skin absorption, making it a gentler choice for those prone to irritation. Additionally, non-nano zinc sunscreens are often touted as being reef-safe, as larger particles are less likely to be ingested by marine organisms.

 

In the realm of clean skin care and cosmetics, understanding the nuances of sunscreen formulations is important. Both non-nano and nano zinc sunscreens offer against the sun's harmful rays. Consider the pros and cons of each type of sunscreen and choose the one that aligns best with your values and preferences. Your commitment to informed choices will undoubtedly contribute to both your skincare and environmental well-being.

 

Note: All of Beautycounter's sunscreens are formulated with non-nano zinc.

 

The SPF number tells you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to redden your skin when using the product exactly as directed versus the amount of time without any sunscreen. So ideally, with SPF 30 it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen.

 

An SPF 30 allows about 3 percent of UVB rays to hit your skin. An SPF of 50 allows about 2 percent of those rays through. That may seem like a small difference until you realize that the SPF 30 is allowing 50 percent more UV radiation onto your skin.

 

Under ideal conditions (like in a laboratory), a sunscreen with higher SPF protection and broad-spectrum coverage offers more protection against sunburn, UVA damage and damage to the DNA in your skin than comparable products with lower SPF values.

 

But, real life is not like a lab. In real life, products with very high SPFs often create a false sense of security. People who use them tend to stay out in the sun much longer. They may skip reapplying. And they may think they don’t need to seek shade, wear a hat or cover up with clothing. They end up getting a lot more UV damage, which, of course, defeats the purpose.

 

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity. If you’re inside most of the day with just short intervals in the sun, you can use a sunscreen or cosmetic product with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially when and where the sun is strongest, you need an SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant sunscreen. 

 

Regardless of the SPF, though, it’s important to apply one ounce (two tablespoons) 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.